Elsie I. Allen

Elsie Imelda Allen (Heckman)

We are saddened to announce the passing of Elsie I. Allen. Beloved wife of the late Charles R. Allen; dear mother of Sandra, Ann (Allen) Bryant and husband Richard, Michael and wife Bridget (Kinealy) and son Robert; dear grandmother of Nicholas and Catherine Allen. Elsie's passing was preceded by her brother George Heckman and sister Leona Curtis.

Elsie was a youthful 91 year old when she succumbed to cancer. Her energy and love for her church continued throughout her life, from kindergarten through high school. Elsie briefly worked at Ted Drewe's and later at Fidelity and Casualty Insurance.

Stewardship was Elsie's passion. She worked the cafeteria at St. John's. Elsie became the sacristan during Father Wesloh's Pastorship through Father Mitch Doyen. Elsie received the Cardinal Rigali Award for outstanding service and Bishop Rice Award.

The Duties of a Sacristan: "The adornment and decor of the Church should be such as to make the Church a visible sign of love and reverence toward God." Our family cannot think of a better devotion for Elsie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Elsie's honor.

Elsie's visitation will be held on Wednesday December 4, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at John L. Ziegenhein & Sons South City Chapel 7027 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116. Her funeral Mass will be held the following morning, December 5, at 9:30 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 4200 Delor Street. Following Mass, interment in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery reunited with her husband, the late Charles.